Less than $5 6th Grade Music Activities
Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Music Break | Black History Month Activities
By Agee and Row Classical Music Appreciation
Just print & play! Do you need engaging classical music activities or music sub plans? Each page offers creative ways for students to learn more about the music of this composer! The music of Duke Ellington is featured in this Ella Fitzgerald mini activity pack! Ella was born on April 25, 1917, in Newport News, Virginia. She is known as "The Queen of Jazz!"
Themes: USA, American composers, Women's History Month, Black History Month
What's Included:
1-page Resource Guide - This guide will get you started quickly! Just print and play.
Listening Sheet Star Rating Guides - A reference sheet illustrates the five-star rating system included in most listening sheets. Each frame has a description, with one being "okay" and 5 stars as "Wow!"
Listening Sheets - There are no wrong answers! Students can note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. Choose from the musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more. There is a space for drawing and several non-musical elements to consider, such as animals and nature.
Weather and Emotions Listening Sheets
Weather is a recurring theme in classical music. Does a musical piece remind the listener of a snowy day or a cheerful sunny afternoon? Students can select the weather symbols that come to mind. Is the music happy or sad? A set of emotional characters allows your group to pick the feelings that best relate to a piece of music.
2 Biography Pages - Fact sheet (1 or 2 facts are already provided, a box to paste/draw the composer's portrait, and a birthday box to color in and decorate cupcakes! A duplicate blank page is included for students to do their own research.
Composer Research Sheet - Students can use their favorite reference materials to compile a full page of facts about the composer's home country. Some of the research options include capital, continent, population, food, and more.
Composer Rating Activity - There are more options to profile the composer on the rating sheet, including which season and musical style they belong to. This can also be used as a listening sheet or as a bulletin board display.
Word Composer Activity - The classic letter puzzle, students can use all the letters from the composer's full name to create new, shorter words and record their scores. Add a timer for an extra challenge.
Musical Selections (two pages per piece)
- Take the 'A' Train
- It Don't Mean a Thing
- The E and D Blues
Embark on a 12-month musical journey through time with the Classical Journey Bundle! ♬
Add a touch of mindful music to any season, holiday, or composer unit study. With over 150 categorized classical pieces, the Classical Journey Bundle offers an engaging printable for every occasion. Each month unlocks a curated selection of themed classical music pieces, perfectly paired with a holiday or season!
Music:Getting To Know You Questionnaire & Ideal Music Classroom(Back to School)
By MsNerdWood
This is a great back to school activity to get to know your students in music class: Music: Getting To Know You Questionnaire and Your Ideal Music Classroom (Back to School Activity). The questionnaire is a chance for you to get to know your students and their experiences in music. I use this for grade 6-8. The second part of this activity is for students to design their ideal music classroom. Typically I pair this activity with my Apple Curator Assignment which can be found here: https://www.TeachShare.com/Product/Apple-Music-Curator-Playlist-Assignment-Great-for-Back-to-School-2739247 These two activities will usually take the better part of September to complete. TIPS: 1. Be sure to leave feedback to earn your TeachShare credits! 2. If you like what you see - follow me for new products and updates (click the star by my store name MsNerdWood).
Crafting SEL Student Mixtape: Engaging and Fun Activity!
By Inspired By MlG
Looking for a creative way to boost social-emotional learning (SEL) in your classroom or at home? This student mixtape activity is the perfect blend of fun and self-reflection!
Craft a Personalized Playlist:
- Pick your favorite songs - the ones that spark memories, lift your mood, or simply bring pure joy.
- Dive deeper! Explore the stories behind each song - when did it resonate most with you?
- What emotions does it evoke?
Unleash Your Inner Music Guru:
- Craft your unique soundtrack - a reflection of your personality and experiences.
- This activity isn't just about the music - it's about self-expression!
The Power of Music & SEL:
- This creative journey promotes social-emotional learning by:
- Fostering self-expression
- Encouraging reflection
- Celebrating the emotional connection we have with music
Ready to embark on this adventure of self-discovery? Join us and create your very own SEL mixtape today!
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Create A Movie Using Microsoft Story Remix
By Innovations in Technology
Creating a Movie using Microsoft Story Remix utilizes the free software from Microsoft as a part of Photos, available in Windows 10 and above. It allows students to create a movie using still pictures or video clips. You will need Windows 10 (or higher) on your computer to access and use it.
In these lessons, students are provided with links to several excellent tutorials (both print and video versions), as well as links to other resources to help them with their designs.
There are two projects included with this lesson to allow the teacher and student a choice in how to demonstrate knowledge of Microsoft Story Remix. Use one, both, or let students choose!
Resources Required
· Access to computers for each student with Internet access and Windows Version 10 or higher
Project Duration (approximate)
· Whole class overview demonstration of the basic program tools and resources for the lesson(s):
½ to 1 (50 minute) class period
· Create a Public Service Announcement using Video: 2-5 (50 minute) class periods
· Create a Music Video using Pictures: 2-5 (50 minute) class periods
Files Included with this Lesson
· Teacher Notes and Resources
· 2 Lessons for Projects with grading rubric including
o Create a Public Service Announcement using Video
o Create a Music Video using Pictures
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Stick it to the Buckets! (Sticking Patterns for Bucket Drums)
By Jason Litt
Working on alternating hands and reading down true percussive stickings? Try on "Stick it to the Buckets" with 30 great exercises that will get your upper elementary and lower middle kids reading with ease!
All regular notation is to be played on the middle of the buckets (the head of the drum) and the X notation (with a down stem) are played as side clicks on the bucket (or on the rim, however you choose!)
In this resource, there are multiple levels of rhythms along with percussive background tracks to get your kids grooving (or you can select any song of your choice in common time!)
- Level 1: Quarters and Eighths in Four Beat Patterns
- Level 2: Adding in Quarter Rests in Four Beat Patterns
- Level 3: Adding in X Notation (side clicks) in Four Beat Patterns
- Level 4: Adding in X Notation Eighth Note Pairs in Four Beat Patterns
- Level 5: Eight Beat Patterns in Four Beat Patterns
End of Year "Music Talk" Activity
By Language Arts Excellence
End of Year "Music Talk" Activity for Chorus, Band, or Music Class
This resource features an engaging "Music Talk" activity that will have your students thinking, writing, speaking, and moving all in one class period during the last week of school! In this activity, they must choose between 6 different quotes about music from famous figures like Taylor Swift and John Green and articulate why the quote aligns with their perspective on music. I use this lesson at the end of every year to see how my students' perspectives on music have developed and matured throughout the school year. This is perfect if you are looking for an engaging lesson plan during the one of the toughest weeks of the year!
Product includes:
- Comprehensive Lesson Plan
- "Music Talk" Sheet for students to fill out
- 6 Corresponding "Music Quote" signs to hang up around your room
Though I utilize this product during the last week of school, it really can be used all year long. I hope that it is as successful in your class as it is in mine!
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ELA - Lyrics and Poetry - Analyzing Word Choice
By Amanda G
Nothing like catching two curriculum areas in one. This assignment will help you meet expectations in both music and language. Students are asked to analyze poetry and lyrics, both those used in class and those of their own choosing. The assignment has students looking at: * vocabulary used * structure * techniques * important words * feelings Students are also asked to consider how the poem/music is meant to be performed. They are also asked to consider the background of the poet/musician.
Music Wordle: 46 Music Based Wordles (with optional hints)
By MsNerdWood
Are you looking for something fun and different for your students? Maybe you need some extra activities for early finishers...well look no further!
Entertain your class while integrating music and language with Music Wordle! This resources includes 46 Music Wordles that you can assign to your students or play together as a class. You could even hold a competition to see who can solve each Worldle first! There is lots of flexibility on how you can use this resource. I created this in Google Sheets. Your Music Wordle Google Sheet will include links to each of the 46 Music Wordle Puzzles. I've included a solutions tab as well as a table that includes puzzle hints, if you choose to share with your students. Each hyperlink is set up for you to make a copy of the Music World Puzzle before you play.
History of Musical Instruments - WebQuest & Presentation Project
By Innovations in Technology
In this lesson, students learn interesting facts about the history of musical instruments, as they complete several projects including a WebQuest (Internet Scavenger Hunt) to answer questions about the topic. A complete answer key is provided for the WebQuest for easy grading, along with resources for both teachers and students. The student questions are included in both a print version and a digital (editable) version to make it easy for students to complete the lesson digitally or on paper. Then, students research their choice of one instrument and create a presentation or a video about it using their choice of Web 2.0 tools such as Adobe Creative Express (formerly Adobe Spark), eMaze, Canva, etc. (all are free, no download needed) or by using Microsoft Office or Google Apps. A full list of software/technology options is listed in the student lesson instructions and includes links to tutorials. For classrooms with limited technology, this lesson can be completed with students working in pairs or small groups. The completed presentations can be shared with the rest of the class if the teacher chooses.
This lesson is intended to be an introduction to the topic and was designed for middle school (grades 6-8) but could be used in high school as well. This lesson could be used in a music, drama, history or technology class and is also a great lesson to leave for a substitute teacher!
Files included:
· Teacher & Student Resources
· History of Musical Instruments WebQuest Activity (print and
editable digital files included)
· History of Musical Instruments WebQuest Answer Key
· History of Musical Instruments Presentation Project Expectations with Rubric
Approximate Lesson Duration:
· WebQuest - 1 (50 minute) class period
· Presentation / Video Project (including research) – 2-4 (50 minute) class periods
· Optional: additional time for students to present their project to the class (time will vary depending on class size).
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One "Minor" Imposter ("Among Us" theme chord quality identification)
By Jason Litt
A game that will keep your students entertained, engaged, and competitively charged with identifying chord quality, here's One "Minor" Imposter inspired by "Among Us"!
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IN ONE MINOR IMPOSTER, YOU WILL LISTEN TO 2, 3, 4 EVEN 5 CREWMATES PLAY MAJOR CHORDS ONE BY ONE. ONE OF THE MAJOR CHORDS IS ACTUALLY NOT THE MAJOR CHORD PERFORMED!
YOUR TASK IS TO DECIDE WHICH CREWMATE IS THE IMPOSTER BY SELECTING THE CREWMATE WHO PLAYED THE MINOR CHORD INSTEAD OF THE MAJOR CHORD
HERE WILL BE ONLY ONE CREWMATE WHO IS THE IMPOSTER
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In each example is a piano/guitar/harpsichord mix with different background percussion tempos to keep the kids engaged. Each crewmate, lined up on the powerpoint (1, 2, 3, etc) will be representative of the musical example played.
Included in this resource are
- Mp3 examples embedded in each question (15 questions)
- A printout where you can replicate and cut out cards (if you want the students to place on the floor or hold up to show which one was the imposter)
- 3 levels of rhythms with 3 crewmates (2 major crewmates, 1 minor imposter), 4 crewmates (3 major crewmates, 1 minor imposter), and 5 crewmates (4 major crewmates, 1 imposter)
Have a terrific time with this while your kids study chord quality!
Broadway Composers - Leonard Bernstein WebQuest & Presentation Project
By Innovations in Technology
In this lesson, students learn interesting facts about the modern Broadway composer, Leonard Bernstein and his work, as they complete several projects including a WebQuest (Internet Scavenger Hunt) to answer questions about the topic. A complete answer key is provided for the WebQuest for easy grading, along with resources for both teachers and students. The student questions are included in both a print version and a digital (editable) version to make it easy for students to complete the lesson digitally or on paper. Then, students research their choice of one of his famous musicals and create a presentation or a video about it using their choice of Web 2.0 tools such as Adobe Creative Express (formerly Adobe Spark), eMaze, Canva, etc. (all are free, no download needed) or by using Microsoft Office or Google Apps. A full list of software/technology options is listed in the student lesson instructions and includes links to tutorials. For classrooms with limited technology, this lesson can be completed with students working in pairs or small groups. The completed presentations can be shared with the rest of the class if the teacher chooses.
This lesson is intended to be an introduction to the topic and was designed for middle school (grades 6-8) but could be used in high school as well. This lesson could be used in a music, drama, history or technology class and is also a great lesson to leave for a substitute teacher!
Files included:
· Teacher & Student Resources
· Learning about Leonard Bernstein WebQuest Activity (print and
editable digital files included)
· Learning about Leonard Bernstein WebQuest Answer Key
· Musical Compositions of Leonard Bernstein Project Expectations with Rubric
Approximate Lesson Duration:
· WebQuest - 1 (50 minute) class period
· Presentation / Video Project (including research) – 2-4 (50 minute) class periods
· Optional: additional time for students to present their project to the class (time will vary depending on class size).
Remember to leave feedback for credits on future purchases!
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Connect with us for free technology tips, resources and curriculum:
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By Jason Litt
The follow-up to "Rhythm Wind Up and PITCH!"
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This one will get the kids on their edge of their seats!
You will need 1 thing for this particular game:
- A sticky suction cup ball (or maybe a soft squishy ball)
The students will see a melody at the bottom of their screen and memorize the melodic direction or say it back in their head (just make sure the melodic is not sung out loud). They will then hear a musical example of an endless loop of melodic figures separated by 4 beats each in between rhythms. (Teacher will click the speaker icon to play)
Take a listen...
....
....
One of the melodic figures will be the melody that is on the screen. AS SOON AS THEY HEAR THAT MELODY, they throw their suction cup ball at the target. The first kid who gets it correct is the winner (and make sure you advance the slide to make the target turn green) :)
Obviously, we cannot play this as a class because of
The amount of suction cup balls tossed at the screen would be insane
Team A v Team B would be a bit more competitive and only two balls would be launched at once
If you don't have a whiteboard/projection screen, you can alternatively have the students raise their hand when they hear it and choose the kid who has their hand up the fastest.
Have a great time with this fast paced game!
Measure Up! (* Distance Learning Approved! *)
By Jason Litt
Understanding notation duration and how they fit mathematically into bars of music is one of the fundamental learning goals of upper elementary students!
With Measure Up! Students will see a measure of music… but… it is incomplete! They will then Choose the correct notation from one of the boxes to complete the measure. Students can use the powerpoint in design mode to click and drag it, draw a path for their specific box to the open box, or write it in!
Can also be used for Distance Learning as well!
15 examples with quarter notes and rests, half notes and rests, whole notes and rests, eighth notes and rests, 4 sixteenth notes and 2/4, 3/4, 5/4, 4/4, and a bonus 6/8 example at the end!
By Jason Litt
Oh, the kids and this game. Well, might as well learn something? I cut out construction paper squares of the following colors: Purple, Blue, Yellow, Grey, Red, Orange, and Pink A FORTNITE character (or characters) are shown on the screen along with different rhythms in different colored boxes. Which colored box of rhythms goes with the character on the screen? Line up the syllables and find out! I mix it up by putting students into teams of 2 and letting them work through the activity or you can have them play individually by themselves. Or maybe even a race to the board to see which one is right (all you have to do is advance the slide and the answer will appear!) There are 9 different examples of rhythms. The kids will LOVE seeing Fortnite up in your room (and don't worry, this is ALL family friendly, no mentions of violence or weapons in here) :) HAVE FUN!
By Jason Litt
The ultimate Boys vs Girls competition! If you're working on notes of the treble clef staff, this is a fun way for kids to competitively spell them out. First, we made a boys side (on the left of the screen) and girls side on the (on the right). A word will appear and the students have 10 seconds to spell the word out (there is a timer attached to the powerpoint and it will count down as soon as the slide appears). This games works best on a whiteboard that has magnetic backing as I print out notes and have the kids race as fast as they can to put them on. After the kids lock in their answer, the next slide reveals the notes. For notes that have F's and E's, the answer key has both top line, top space notes -- those F's and E's both count! :) Some are easy (CAB, DAB, DAD), some get a little tricky (BECCA, CABBAGE, DECADE) and so on. Towards the end they repeat, and feel free to edit and make your own! Have fun with this and if you have any questions, let me know!
By Jason Litt
If you're working on meter in your classroom, here's an engaging lesson that'll test your students' math skills! In Sign of the Times, we do a brief introduction of meter (from there on called" Time Signature"). After the introduction, we talk about how measures (musical sentences) are formed and how composers have the freedom to write different beat patterns in music. The lesson in PDF format (also included is the video along with an editable powerpoint file) continues with illustrations of 4 types of time signatures, and gets into the game format -- a measure with combinations of quarter, eighths, whole, and half notes will appear in the staff and students will have to guess the time signature. On the next slide, the answer will appear. I like to do this boys vs. girls -- they have to use their quick thinking to add up the beats! Some are easy to moderate, but as we progress it gets a little harder! If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment... that's the sign of the times!
GenreMania - Identifying Genres in Music (*Distance Learning Approved!*)
By Jason Litt
Working on identifying genres with some of your older students? This one will be a breeze with **GenreMania!
**Students will be given a short example of a genre of music, which is a category of a musical composition. Genres are in different eras, different styles, and different sounds!
Select the genre from a multiple-choice list of which you think is the genre that best describes the piece that you’re listening to. Some are easy, some get a little more difficult.
The answer will illuminate on the following screen after the example is played. There are 15 musical examples students will be able to listen to. You can run this as a class, individually, or even assign it as a Distance Learning option!
Have a great time with this and let us know how it goes in the comments :)
Zimbab all the Wae! - Percussion composition! (Tubano/Tambourine)
By Jason Litt
In "Zimbab all the Wae", introduce your kids to some great music from indigenous instruments from Africa! Using your classroom Djembe or Tubanos (along with tambourines), learn the music by rote by taking it one rehearsal section at a time (with rehearsal markings [A], [B], [C], and so forth). This is terrific practice with your older students who want to work on alternating hands and adding different timbres in with the tambourine
Included is the key for tubano and tambourine notation
At the end, wrap it up and put on a show! Want to layer it?
- Have shakers play 16th notes all the way throughout or in specific sections
- Have half the class play 1st and 3rd measures, the other half play 2nd and 4th measures
- Do it in a round! :)
Use this in class, a concert, a parent showcase, admin, faculty and staff, whatever you wish!
Have a terrific time with this one :)
Don't Stop Believin', Journey - CUP RHYTHM ARRANGEMENT!
By Jason Litt
Cup rhythms are terrific for your students of all ages! Inexpensive plastic cups from the dollar store, Target, or others make excellent substitutes for percussion instruments and in unison played together, solidifies steady beat, rhythm acuity, and gets everyone playing as an ensemble!
In this arrangement of everyone's favorite (and yours!) Don't Stop Believin', from Journey, students will read each corresponding colored section along with the form identifier for the amount of times played.
Discuss form with the students and teach them (by rote) the rhythms on the powerpoint with the corresponding repeats. Then, apply it your class set of cups (to be done on the ground, in their seat, or however)!
Notation is as follows:
- CUP WITH ARROW - to be played by striking the cup (upside down) on the floor
- CUP WITH HAND - to be played with cup on the floor and patting the top of the cup
- CLAP - hands clap once
- QUARTER REST - one beat rest
- HALF REST - two beats rest
Any notation that is smaller in groups of 2 are played as two eighth notes
Here's the track so you can play along...
I Ain't Worried (from Top Gun: Maverick) - BUCKET DRUMMING!
By Jason Litt
Need to connect with your kids with your hits (and have your cake and eat it too?) Involve them in bucket drumming with the classic hit from the 2002 smash movie "Top Gun: Maverick" in "I Ain't Worried" by OneRepublic!
There are three all-color coded slides along with the form identifiers listed next to each phrase. Discuss form with the students and teach them (by rote) the rhythms on the powerpoint with the corresponding repeats (most are repeated in groups of 3 times and 1 time)
All regular notation is to be played on the buckets (or drums, or ground, however you wish), and the X notation (with a down stem) are played as stick clicks above their head (or you could apply it to a tambourine or other auxiliary instrument)
Here's the track so you can play along...
Have fun with this and let us know how it goes!
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